This is an exciting programme of study which, on successful completion, allows physiotherapists, podiatrists, paramedics and therapeutic radiographers to seek to have their qualification annotated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and to practice as an Independent Prescriber.

Prescribing by physiotherapists, podiatrists, paramedics and therapeutic radiographers has evolved to offer better access to medicines and to optimise the skills and expertise of allied health professionals in the provision of care. Where appropriate, physiotherapists, podiatrists, paramedics and therapeutic radiographers are able to complete episodes of care, whilst also enhancing their role within the team.

Students frequently report that the course is probably the most challenging they have undertaken since their pre-registration programme, but also the most rewarding. Students report positively on the organisation of the course and on the support provided for their preparation as prescribers. The programme delivery is designed to provide opportunities for you students to receive feedback to support the development of their knowledge, understanding and prescribing practice throughout the programme. We consider all student feedback and work with this to enhance the student experience and outcomes.

We meet regularly with non-medical prescribing leads and mentors to ensure that the programme maintains its relevance to the constantly evolving environment of healthcare. The programme team includes academic staff who continue to work in practice.

Graduate destinations

Non-medical prescribing is offered as stand-alone provision, but can also contribute to a postgraduate award.

For example, you could transfer the credits into a top-up degree in Practice Development for a Postgraduate Certificate Practice Development or transfer the credits into a Postgraduate Diploma or MSc Practice Development.

Course outline

Course summary

The programme is a multi-professional, part-time course which will prepare physiotherapists, podiatrists, paramedics and therapeutic radiographers for a role as an Independent Prescriber. Successful completion of the programme allows students to seek to have their qualification recorded by their professional body, the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

On successful completion of the programme you will be able to:

consult effectively with patients and carers, assessing their need for medicines, taking account of their wishes and demonstrating understanding of the pathophysiology, signs and symptoms of the presenting complaint, and conduct a relevant physical examination, recognise and manage clinical complexity

demonstrate clarity of reasoning in relation to the relevance of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics and apply the knowledge to your own prescribing practice whilst recognising and evaluating the relationship between pharmacology and prescribing practice at individual, local and national levels

demonstrate a critical awareness of legal, ethical and professional frameworks including the responsibility that your role as an independent/supplementary prescriber entails, and demonstrate initiative and personal responsibility for working within the scope of your professional competence, articulate and demonstrate how you will prescribe safely, appropriately and cost effectively

synthesise sources of information, advice and support, taking into account evidence-based practice, national/ local guidelines and the roles of others who are involved in prescribing practice and demonstrate their application to prescribing practice

critically evaluate factors which impact on prescribing at individual, local and national levels and in a public health context and which necessitate therapeutic monitoring, modification and practice-based change

demonstrate knowledge and clarity of reasoning in the ability to refer/ consult with other appropriate health care professionals in a timely manner, developing an effective relationship and communication channels with patients/carers, other prescribers and members of the health care team to work within a prescribing partnership, critically reflect on the clinical governance frameworks that include audit and prescribing practice and development

Modules

Module Dates

Lancaster September 2019 cohort

09, 10, 11, 12 September

02, 03 October

23, 24 October

11, 12, 13 November

11 December (optional)

06, 07, 08, 09 or 10 January (for assessment on one of these dates, to be confirmed)

Date by which completed applications should be submitted: 05 August 2019 (earlier application advised)

Carlisle September 2019 cohort

09, 10, 11, 12 September

01, 02 October

22, 23 October

11, 12, 13 November

10 December (optional)

06, 07, 08, 09 or 10 January (for assessment on one of these dates, to be confirmed)

Date by which completed applications should be submitted: 05 August 2019 (earlier application advised)

Lancaster February 2020 cohort

10, 11, 12, 13 February

03, 04 March

24, 25 March

20, 21, 22 April

19 May (optional)

15, 16, 17, 18 or 19 June (for assessment on one of these dates, to be confirmed)

Date by which completed applications should be submitted: 13 January 2020 (earlier application advised)

Programme Specification

Programme Specification

For a detailed summary please read our programme specification for this course.

Assessment, Feedback, and Teaching and Learning methods

Timetables

The teaching timetable should be available from the end of August. Access to the timetable is through the Student Hub – you will be able to access the Student Hub after you have completed online registration. The teaching day is 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday; please keep your other commitments open until confirmation of your teaching timetable, and bear in mind that many courses will offer placements or fieldwork which sometimes extends into the evenings and weekends.

(for applicants working for the NHS in the area of Higher Education England North West only) evidence of attainment of a minimum mark of 80% in the pre-course numeracy assessment to which the applicant’s NMP Lead will provide access

a satisfactory Enhanced DBS check obtained by the applicant’s employer, and issued within three years of the course start date.

The application form provides further detail regarding the entry criteria.

Selection criteria

All entry criteria must be met in full prior to programme commencement:

evidence of prior successful study at level 6 and within 6 years of the course start date

a fully-completed application form confirming:

at least two years' clinical experience in the area in which prescribing will take place

identification of the need to prescribe by the line manager, and access to a prescribing budget on successful completion of the course

a Designated Medical Practitioner (DMP) who will act as mentor

the DMP mentor must meet the standards required by the Department of Health

clinical governance arrangements agreed by the Non-Medical Prescribing Lead

(for applicants within Cumbria and Lancashire, evidence of attainment of a minimum mark of 80% in the pre-course numeracy assessment

a satisfactory Enhanced DBS check obtained by the applicant’s employer, and issued within three years of the course start date

The application form provides further detail regarding essential criteria.

Application information

The application process may take some time to complete as it requires the applicant's line manager, Designated Medical Practitioner mentor and their employing organisation's Non-Medical Prescribing Lead to confirm their support via the Application Form designed for this process.

Applicants will need to confirm by whom the programme fees will be paid.

Applicants are required to demonstrate that they meet all entry criteria prior to programme commencement. Early application enables us to identify entry criteria which have not been met and to advise applicants so that, where possible, delays to the start of the chosen programme can be avoided.

In addition, early application should be made so that students and their clinical practice managers and mentors can commit to full support of the practice and theoretical learning time identified by the professional regulatory bodies as necessary to the preparation for a non-medical prescribing role.

Demand for places on these courses is currently high and all applications are subject to the availability of course places.

To avoid delays to the start of your chosen programme, we advise that completed applications are submitted at least eight weeks before the start of programme, and identify a final closing date four weeks before the start of the programme.

Taught Degrees

Please note that fees for modules and programmes will increase due to inflation.

Paying your fees

You can pay your tuition fees online, directly to the university. You can pay in full or spread out the cost through a maximum of three instalments. To discuss instalments, email us at accountsreceivableteam@cumbria.ac.uk.

Tuition fee invoices are sent electronically to students university and personal email accounts.

Research Degrees (PhD)

Paying your fees

You can pay your tuition fees online, directly to the university. You can pay in full or spread out the cost through a maximum of three instalments. To discuss instalments, email us at accountsreceivableteam@cumbria.ac.uk.

Tuition fee invoices are sent electronically to students university and personal email accounts.

Alumni Discount

If you are interested in continuing your studies past graduation, then we’re here to help you get started. We offer a discount on postgraduate fees to eligible graduates of the University of Cumbria.

For your first postgraduate award, you could receive as much as a 20% discount on taught courses, or 10% on research degrees. This is for awards of up to a maximum of 180 credits, and does not apply to PGCE students. International students will be entitled to the same absolute discount (not percentage) as home and EU students.

To receive this discount, you must have previously studied at the University of Cumbria as an undergraduate in the last 5 years and achieved an award of 120 credits minimum, as well as meet the relevant entry requirements for postgraduate study. Accreditation of Prior Learning charges are not included in this discount.

We want to reward our students who choose to continue with academia, so for more information on this discount or anything about postgraduate study, please contact the Enquiry Centre.

Financial support

There's a range of scholarships, bursaries, grants and other funding available to support you in getting your degree.

Student Loans

Postgraduate master's loan

If you’re starting a master’s degree, you could get a Postgraduate Master’s Loan to help with course fees and living costs. For MSc Physiotherapy and MSc Occupational Therapy, please see the NHS Master's Courses below.

What you’ll get

Academic year

Maximum Loan (£)

2019/20

£10,906

Funding for postgraduate loans is different if you normally live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. Moving somewhere to study does not count as normally living there.

NHS master's courses

Student loan

MSc Occupational Therapy and MSc Physiotherapy students who live in England will be able to apply for a tuition fee loan of up to £9,250 from the Student Loans Company. This can be used as part payment (MSc Physiotherapy) or full payment (MSc Occupational Therapy) of tuition fees.

Your loan application is likely to take around 2 months to finalise so it is important to complete your application as soon as possible. We recommend completing your application by the end of May (new students) or June (continuing students) to avoid any delays in receiving your funding.

You can apply for a maintenance loan to assist with meeting living costs such as food, accommodation and travel expenses. These are normally paid in three instalments throughout the university year directly to your bank account.

Depending on household income, students may be able to apply for the following amounts in 2019/20:

To support students while undertaking the clinical placement element of their studies, the government is providing non-repayable grants which can be accessed through the Learning Support Fund. The Learning Support Fund, administered through the NHS Business Services Authority, makes available:

Postgraduate doctoral loan

Repaying your loan

The earliest you start repaying your Postgraduate Master’s or Doctoral Loan is when your annual income is over £21,000 and it’s either:

the first April after you leave your course

April 4 years after the course started

Contact Student Finance England if your circumstances change or you leave your course early. You’ll have to pay back any overpayment straight away even if your income is less than £21,000.

How much you’ll repay

You’ll pay back 6% of your income over the minimum amount (‘threshold’). This is £21,000 a year, £1,750 a month or £404 a week.

Example

You earn £2,500 a month before tax. This is £750 over the monthly threshold. You’ll repay £45 (6% of this amount) each month.

If you already have a Postgraduate Master’s Loan then you’ll make a combined repayment of 6% covering both postgraduate loans. You’ll be charged interest from the day you get the first payment until your loan is repaid in full or cancelled.

Scholarships and bursaries

Social Work bursary

MA Social Work students may be eligible for a grant up to £3,362.50 and a means tested maintenance grant up to £2,721. Full details are available on the NHSBSA website.

The number of people who can get a bursary is limited (or capped). This means that there is no guarantee that if you take up an offer of a place on the MA Social Work course, you will receive a bursary. The university will provide a shortlist of students to the NHSBSA who will then assess bursary applications.

Enhanced Learning Credits Scheme (ELCAS) - If you currently serve (or have recently served) within the Armed Forces and wish to enhance your education, then you can receive help covering your funding through the Enhanced Learning Credits Scheme.

Association of Commonwealth Universities - provides scholarships, grants, loans and assistantships open to commonwealth graduates who wish to undertake further study at a commonwealth university outside their own country

Accommodation

From only £10 per night, we provide the lowest cost student accommodation in the North West. Check out our accommodation page for a full price list and more details about the residences.

Read more

Heating, lighting, water and internet costs are included in your rent and full-time students don't pay council tax.

Paying your accommodation fees

At the beginning of term, you will receive an email confirming your accommodation, your accommodation fees and a quick payment link. Please ensure that you have your student ID available prior to entering the online payments site.

Taught Degrees

Please note that fees for modules and programmes will increase due to inflation.

For information about postgraduate programmes delivered in partnership with Robert Kennedy College, please visit their website.

Paying your fees

You can pay your tuition fees online, directly to the university. You can pay in full or spread out the cost through a maximum of three instalments. To discuss instalments, email us at accountsreceivableteam@cumbria.ac.uk.

Tuition fee invoices are sent electronically to students university and personal email accounts.

Research Degrees (PhD)

Paying your fees

You can pay your tuition fees online, directly to the university. You can pay in full or spread out the cost through a maximum of three instalments. To discuss instalments, email us at accountsreceivableteam@cumbria.ac.uk.

Tuition fee invoices are sent electronically to students university and personal email accounts.

Alumni discount

If you are interested in continuing your studies past graduation, then we’re here to help you get started. We offer a discount on postgraduate fees to eligible graduates of the University of Cumbria, or any of its legacy institutions.

For your first postgraduate award, you could receive as much as a 20% discount on taught courses, or 10% on research degrees. This is for awards of up to a maximum of 180 credits, and does not apply to PGCE students.

To receive this discount, you must have previously studied at the University of Cumbria as an undergraduate and achieved an award of 120 credits minimum, as well as meet the relevant entry requirements for postgraduate study. For research degrees, this will apply to any alumni that have graduated in the last 5 years. Accreditation of Prior Learning charges are not included in this discount.

We want to reward our students who choose to continue with academia, so for more information on this discount or anything about postgraduate study, please contact the Enquiry Centre.

Financial support

There's a range of scholarships, bursaries, grants and other funding available to support you in getting your degree.

Student Loans

Postgraduate master's loan

If you’re starting a master’s degree, you could get a Postgraduate Master’s Loan to help with course fees and living costs.

Start date

Maximum Loan (£)

2018/19

£10,609

2019/20

£10,906

Funding for postgraduate loans is different if you normally live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. Moving somewhere to study does not count as normally living there.

Some courses, for example Social Work and some Health Professions Masters degrees do attract some funding. Contact us for more information.

Repaying your loan

The earliest you start repaying your Postgraduate Master’s or Doctoral Loan is when your annual income is over £21,000 and it’s either:

the first April after you leave your course

April 4 years after the course started

Contact Student Finance England if your circumstances change or you leave your course early. You’ll have to pay back any overpayment straight away even if your income is less than £21,000.

How much you’ll repay

You’ll pay back 6% of your income over the minimum amount (‘threshold’). This is £21,000 a year, £1,750 a month or £404 a week.

Example

You earn £2,500 a month before tax. This is £750 over the monthly threshold. You’ll repay £45 (6% of this amount) each month.

If you already have a Postgraduate Master’s Loan then you’ll make a combined repayment of 6% covering both postgraduate loans. You’ll be charged interest from the day you get the first payment until your loan is repaid in full or cancelled.

Enhanced Learning Credits Scheme (ELCAS) - If you currently serve (or have recently served) within the Armed Forces and wish to enhance your education, then you can receive help covering your funding through the Enhanced Learning Credits Scheme.

Association of Commonwealth Universities - provides scholarships, grants, loans and assistantships open to commonwealth graduates who wish to undertake further study at a commonwealth university outside their own country

Accommodation

From only £10 per night, we provide the lowest cost student accommodation in the North West. Check out our accommodation page for a full price list and more details about the residences.

Read more

Heating, lighting, water and internet costs are included in your rent and full-time students don't pay council tax.

Paying your accommodation fees

At the beginning of term, you will receive an email confirming your accommodation, your accommodation fees and a quick payment link. Please ensure that you have your student ID available prior to entering the online payments site.

Taught Degrees

The tuition fees for the 2019/20 academic year will be confirmed soon.

Please note that fees for modules and programmes may increase due to inflation.

For information about postgraduate programmes delivered in partnership with Robert Kennedy College, please visit their website.

Paying your fees

You can pay your tuition fees online, directly to the university. You can pay in full or spread out the cost through a maximum of three instalments. To discuss instalments, email us at accountsreceivableteam@cumbria.ac.uk.

Tuition fee invoices are sent electronically to students university and personal email accounts.

Research Degrees (PhD)

Paying your fees

You can pay your tuition fees online, directly to the university. You can pay in full or spread out the cost through a maximum of three instalments. To discuss instalments, email us at accountsreceivableteam@cumbria.ac.uk.

Tuition fee invoices are sent electronically to students university and personal email accounts.

Alumni Discount

If you are interested in continuing your studies past graduation, then we’re here to help you get started. We offer a discount on postgraduate fees to eligible graduates of the University of Cumbria, or any of its legacy institutions.

For your first postgraduate award, you could receive as much as a 20% discount on taught courses, or 10% on research degrees. This is for awards of up to a maximum of 180 credits, and does not apply to PGCE students. International students will be entitled to the same absolute discount (not percentage) as home and EU students.

To receive this discount, you must have previously studied at the University of Cumbria as an undergraduate and achieved an award of 120 credits minimum, as well as meet the relevant entry requirements for postgraduate study. For research degrees, this will apply to any alumni that have graduated in the last 5 years. Accreditation of Prior Learning charges are not included in this discount.

We want to reward our students who choose to continue with academia, so for more information on this discount or anything about postgraduate study, please contact the Enquiry Centre.

Accommodation

From only £10 per night, we provide the lowest cost student accommodation in the North West. Check out our accommodation page for a full price list and more details about the residences.

Read more

Paying for your accommodation

If you choose to stay in univerisity accommodation you will be required to make a pre-payment of £250, and a pre-payment of £100 towards catering packages.

After you have made the pre-payment(s), and the contract has been returned, the balance of your contract will be due. Payment must be made by registration. Instalments are not available.

Please note that you do have the option to pay for the accommodation and catering in full with the contract.

Payment must be made in pounds sterling. You will be given the option online to convert your currency when making a payment.